Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Days of Beauty: Beauty of Peace

Most of us have read the verses I shared yesterday about having a beautiful spirit inside. But, how many of us have gone on to read the next two verses?

1 Peter 3:5-6,"For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear."

What does that say to you? What ideas or feelings does it stir inside?

I don't know about you - but I look at the women of the Bible and I can see their beauty and I want to be like them. Not all of them of course! But, the holy women. Did you catch that above? These thoughts were not how all women made themselves beautiful, these were the ways the holy women made themselves beautiful. Women who were close to God, who believed in Him. Yes, those who put their hope in Him.

There was a peacefulness to their demeanor. They were submissive. To their own husbands. Not stirring up strife and trouble, but trusting the leadership God placed in their homes.

I am not foolish enough to believe that this is easy or perfect for everyone's marriage. Some have unbelieving spouses, some spouses who are not easy to submit to. But, I humbly wonder - are we looking for ways to be peaceful and honoring?

The part that stands out the most to me though, is at the very end. She does not give way to fear. Whoa. Now, that hits me where it hurts. Beauty comes with a lack of fear? Yes, I can see that.

Fear creates an edginess, an unsettled heart and spirit. Not giving way to fear requires decisions and self-control and choosing peace and beauty over fear. When my heart is at peace - it is much more beautiful inside and out than when it is controlled by fear.

This calm heart is at rest. It trusts her Lord. It is not wasting its beauty on something ugly or crippling.

9 comments:

Thanks for blessing me with this. I just noticed (for the first time, I am afraid) about the part in the verse that says, "don't give way to fear". I think as wives, we are afraid we have to step in and try to change things (or our husband's minds) instead of trusting God to work out His will in and through us (and in and through our husbands!!!). I will cast all my anxiety on the Lord and trust His sovereign purposes in my life (and in my today!).

As always, I love your photos that capture beauty in the everyday.warmly, Susan

I just started reading this series yesterday, Monica, and I love it!! You have such wisdom and insight-I imagine because you ask for it!! :)LOVE your new shelf, too!! Isn't it fun to fluff the nest?!?!Hope you have a wonderful day...Elise

Hello Monica,The other day I began a study over my calling as a wife, how God made me for my husband (Gen 2:18). I have been in need of a freshness, lately, in my heart as wife. Reading that God made me "for him" (1Corin 11:3,7-9) and his glory, really inspired me to want to be the glory of my husband that God speaks of. Then the Lord directed me to these verses; 1 Peter 3:1-6. I spent a blessed time being filled with these wonderful words of life. I have gleened much thru study and prayer of this truth. I in Christ & His beauty in me, pray to live out these lovely life giving words. My visits here always bless me and my family. I have enjoyed all you have shared yesterday and today. I wanted to say thank you, so I thought I would comment. I am still here. I still enjoying your blog. I have not commented in along while so a hug for a sweet sister in Christ, Angelia in TX

Wow, God sure does know our needs...I REALLY needed to read this today...struggling with alot of fear in my marriage, probably mostly self induced. Have found myself trying to trust ME and not GOD...isn't working, suprise suprise! Blessings do flow when I submit my fears and issues to God and let him do his work on HIS time schedule, not mine. THANK YOU (and God), for this post. I will spend the rest of today playing these words and scripture over in my mind. Blessings!

Monica, you've been quite inspiring for me to cultivate some beauty in my home. I've been doing so for w few months...and your "Days of Beauty" inspired me even more. I've put up a post on my blog and linked to you. I do hope that's okay! love,Brandy